Network Connection
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Volume 3, Issue 1
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School Leaders Network Newsletter
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Winter 2010
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| Greetings to all Facilitators, Network Members and Friends of SLN,
School Leaders Network has just completed an analysis of the 2008-09 New York City Progress Report. The analysis was focused on SLN leaders' schools scores in relation to their peer cohort of schools. While all schools scored higher on the 2009 tests, SLN-led schools were 6-8 points higher in both ELA and math. We are very proud of the results! Please see the article below to learn more the results of our analysis.
I am very pleased to announce that Rainwater Charitable Foundation has awarded SLN a challenge grant of $1.0 million over the next two years to catalyze our expansion efforts, therefore broadening our reach and deepening our impact in the communities that need us most. Rainwater has also given us a generous $100,000 gift to increase our staffing capacity.
We have been very hard at work raising funds to sustain SLN and I am very proud to tell you all that we have received a generous gift of $150,000 from MetLife Foundation to facilitate professional development for school principals. The funds will help SLN sustain and expand its model of local clusters of principals and provide strategic training and technical support for its network of expert facilitators. It is a great pleasure to work with MetLife Foundation and this gift will insure continued high quality skill acceleration for our SLN leaders.
Thank you for all that you do to make a difference in the success of urban students every day.
Best wishes for the year ahead.
Elizabeth Neale
Founder and Chief Executive Officer |
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NYC Schools Led by SLN Principals Make Big Gains in 08-09
Analysis of the NYC Progress Report for the school year 08-09, issued in December 2009, shows that SLN-led schools made bigger gains in student achievement and school environment than peer schools led by principals not participating in SLN programming. Highlights of the report include:
SLN-led high schools led by principals had a Math Regents pass rate of 85%, an increase of 25 percentage points from 2007-08.
High schools led by principals receiving two years of SLN programming had an average peer horizon score of 95%, a gain of more than 45 percentage points since 2006-07.
K-8 principals who have participated in SLN programming for at least 3 years have jumped from an average peer horizon score of 46% in 2006-07 to 94% in 2008-09 in English Language Arts (ELA) and from 66% to 90% in Math in the same years. This is 5 percentage points higher in ELA and 8 points higher in math than schools that did not receive SLN programming.
SLN-led K-8 schools had an average safety score of 77% - an increase of almost 50 percentage points since starting programming in 2006-07.
For a complete summary of the analysis of the NYC Progress Report for SY 08-09, please visit the SLN website by clicking here.
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Adult Learning Plays Critical Role in Educational Leadership
Ellie Drago-Severson Ed.D, Associate Professor of Education, Teachers College, Columbia University has just published Leading Adult Learning: Supporting Adult Development in Our Schools (Corwin Press, 2009). A noted authority on adult learning theories and leadership development for educational leaders, the SLN Facilitator Training Program includes work with Dr.Drago-Severson.
She is also the author of "Helping Teachers Learn: Principal Leadership for Adult Growth and Development." (Corwin Press, 2004). Her book was awarded the National Staff Development Council's 2004 "Book of the Year."
Ira E. Bogotch, in her review of the book for TC Record, said "Everything that educational leaders do involves learning - thus making adult learning theory a necessary component of good educational leadership practices. No book I have read makes this case better or stronger than Leading Adult Learning: Supporting Adult Development in our Schools by Ellie Drago-Severson." To read the full review, please click here.
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Debbie Dixon, fifth grade teacher at Woodridge Elementary, was named Texas Exes 2009 Outstanding Teacher! Debbie is one of two elementary teachers across the state of Texas named for this prestigious award that recognizes teachers who "inspire and support their students, bring credit to the teaching profession, and are held in the highest regard by their current and former students, fellow teachers, administrators, parents and community." Woodbridge Elementary is led by Cordell Jones, SLN Facilitator, San Antonio Cohort #2.
Sinclair Elementary and Pecan Elementary received Exemplary and Gold Performance Acknowledgement for Commended Performance in Reading. Sinclair's Principal is Janice Williams, SLN Facilitator of San Antonio Cohort #3; Pecan's Principal, Rona Halbriech, is a member of Janice's network. Bob Hope Elementary received Gold Performance Acknowledgment for Commended Performance in Science and
Writing, Principal Angelica Romero is also a member of Ms. Williams network.
Anthony Barbetta, Principal, Thomas Edison Career & Technical High School was named Administrator of the Year, by NYSCSLA (New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities. He was recognized for outstanding dedication to the field of student leadership development and support of student activities. Anthony is a member of Jim Phair's New York City Cohort #2. |
| Announcements
SLN Goes Toll Free
Now it is even easier to reach us, as we have launched our new toll free number, 866-966-6636. The extension listing for your reference and use is:
Elizabeth Neale, Chief Executive Officer - Ext. 1
Jody Roy, Vice President, Program and Strategic Parnterships - Ext. 2
Kristen Jensen, Vice President, Development - Ext. 3
Pamela Scott-Smith, Director, Marketing and Communications - Ext.4
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Contact Information
Elizabeth Neale, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
School Leaders Network
1100 East Washington Road
Hinsdale, Massachusetts 01235
866-966-6636
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Member Spotlight
GARY BEIDLEMAN
Gary Beidleman is the Principal of Foundations Academy, a New York City Empowerment School for grades 9-12, located in one of the city's poorest districts. He serves as the network principal liaison to the Deputy Chancellor for Empowerment Schools, as a mentor to new small school principals.
For the SY 04-05 Gary was the New Leaders for New Schools Princpal Resident at the Gary ACORN Community High School in Brooklyn, New York.
A former English teacher, Gary also has experience working in community organizations focused on improving student service learning and overall student success.
Gary has been a member of Judy Tarlo's NYC Cohort #3 since 2008.
He earned his BA from Clark Atlanta Univveristy in Atlanta, Georgia, his MA In Teaching from Trinity College, Washington DC and M Ed. from Baruch College in New York City.
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